[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 12 (Monday, March 28, 1994)]
[Pages 638-639]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6659--Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration 
of Greek and American Democracy, 1994

March 25, 1994

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    In voicing support of the Greek battle for independence, President 
Monroe expressed the American sense of fellowship that endures to this 
day, ``A strong hope has been entertained, founded on the heroic 
struggle of the Greeks . . . that Greece will become again an 
independent nation. That she may obtain that rank is the object of our 
most ardent wishes.''
    Throughout the history of our sovereign nations, the unique bond 
that exists between the peoples of the United States and Greece has 
grown from the knowledge that we share a common cause--our profound 
devotion to advancing the ideals of democracy. Drawing on the wisdom of 
Hellenic philosophy, America's Founding Fathers crafted a Nation that 
realizes the early promise of representative government. From the 
gleaming white columns of ancient Athens to the shining monuments of 
Washington, DC, the spirits and symbols of our capital cities reflect 
our deeply-held commitment to promoting individual freedom and human 
dignity.
    This year, as Americans and Greeks rejoice in witnessing the 
formation of new democracies where old adversaries once stood, the 
traditional celebration of Greek Independence Day reveals the true 
legacy of Greek and American liberty. To mark both the triumph of 
freedom and the coming of spring in their rich land, one custom 
prescribes that Greek children remove the ``March-thread'' they have 
worn on their wrists throughout the month. As the swallows return from 
their winter in the South, the children hang the threads on a tree, an 
offering to the birds for their nests. These ties, once a reminder of 
the bleakness of winter, become the seeds of springtime's rebirth.
    In much the same way, brave young nations around the world are 
throwing off the last vestiges of authoritarian rule and awak- 

[[Page 639]]

ening to the rich possibilities of freedom's spring. They are emerging 
from their own fierce campaigns for independence and modeling their 
governments on the steady examples we have set. Encouraged by the 
triumphs of our histories and the continuity of our friendship, Greeks 
and Americans everywhere join today in wishing the world's newest 
democracies a future worthy of our past--one of great prosperity and 
lasting peace.
    In recognition of the close bond that has been forged between the 
nations of the United States and Greece, and to reaffirm the democratic 
principles from which they draw their strength, the Congress, by Senate 
Joint Resolution 162, has designated March 25, 1994, as ``Greek 
Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American 
Democracy'' and has authorized and requested the President to issue a 
proclamation in observance of this day.
    Now, Therefore, I , William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim March 25, 1994, as Greek 
Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American 
Democracy. I call upon all Americans to observe this day, the 173rd 
anniversary of the beginning of the Greek revolution against the Ottoman 
Empire, with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities in honor 
of the Greek people and Greek independence.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth 
day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-four, 
and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred 
and eighteenth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 4:47 p.m., March 25, 
1994]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
March 29.